An Indian-Australian family is considering returning to India over safety fears after being allegedly targeted in a racist outburst at an apartment complex in Brisbane. A 19-year-old man, Harley Adams, has been charged with hate crime offences after allegedly hurling racist abuse at the family and threatening to blow up their apartment block in Morningside, in Brisbane’s east, according to The Australia Today.
The alleged threats have left the Indian-Australian family so frightened that it is considering ending its lease and moving back to India.
Adams appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday, where a police prosecutor described the alleged behaviour as an extraordinary racist outburst. The court heard that Adams allegedly believed the family had complained to police about him, leading to his eviction from the apartment complex. The incident has also raised concerns among other residents. It is a criminal offence and can carry a prison sentence upon conviction. Queensland Police also recognises hate-motivated crime as offending allegedly driven by prejudice or bias linked to characteristics including race, religion, sexuality, gender identity or sex characteristics.
Because of concerns about Adams’s behaviour, police told the court that some residents had been breaking their leases and moving out. Because of a protected characteristic such as race or religion, under Queensland law, serious vilification involves public conduct that threatens harm to a person or their property or encourages others to cause harm. The alleged incident took place around 12.30 am on Monday, October 19, according to media reports.
He reportedly became apologetic after being told that the family had not made such a complaint. The alleged threats have left the Indian-Australian family so frightened that it is considering ending its lease and moving back to India, according to 7News .
